Hanayashiki, Tokyo

Just a short skip from the legendary Senso-ji Temple, in the retro-cool streets of Asakusa, you will find Hanayashiki Park—Japan’s oldest amusement park and a charming blend of nostalgia and quirky fun. We’re talking since-1853 kind of old. That’s right—Hanayashiki was dazzling folks back when topknots were still trending.

Originally a serene garden full of peonies and chrysanthemums, Hanayashiki slowly turned up the volume over the years. By the 1870s, it was dabbling in Western films, play gear, and even a zoo with animals so exotic, the place made national headlines. Fun fact: In 1923, five tiger cubs were born here. At once. And in 1931, Japan said hello to its first lion here.

As the country zoomed into the modern age, the flowers took a backseat, and the fun took the wheel. Post-WWII, the managing Togo Company gave the park a glow-up, adding rides, charm, and enough nostalgia to fill a time capsule.

Now, don’t let the compact size fool you—Hanayashiki packs a punch with 20+ quirky attractions. The main headliner is Japan’s oldest steel roller coaster, still click-clacking since 1953. Then there’s the haunted house that’s more delightfully weird than bone-chilling, those too-cute panda cars (for kids and adults who refuse to grow up), and good ol’ carnival classics like ring toss and shooting galleries.

Feeling snacky? Follow the scent of yakisoba, cotton candy, and soft-serve ice cream to a lineup of stalls that serve nostalgia on a stick. And when your feet need a break, head to the rooftop for chill views of Asakusa and the Tokyo Skytree. Perfect for selfies. Or existential skyline-gazing. Your call.

Who’s it for? Everyone. Families, date-night couples, curious solo wanderers—it’s a full-blown vibe. It’s not glitzy. It’s not massive. But it oozes charm, with a hint of Showa-era magic and just the right dose of kitsch.

So no, Hanayashiki isn’t trying to be Disneyland. It’s better—it’s Tokyo’s Old-Gold amusement spot, where the roller coasters are classic, the fun is heartfelt, and the smiles come with a side of sweet, old-school whimsy.